Usually available: All year

Life cycle: Perennial
Height: 80cm - 1m
Position: Full sun
Soil preference: Moist / well drained

This is how we pack and send your Herb Plants to all states except TAS & WA

You will receive
- 1 Palmarosa Herb Plant in a 50 X 75mm tube - General growing instructions

All of our Herb Plants are grown organically with certified organic potting mixes and fertilizers

Botanical Name: Cymbopogon martinii

Palmarosa is a dense, clump forming grass with long, linear grass-like leaves. It may be up to 1 meter tall and the leaves up to 2cm wide. The long leaves are smooth and hairless, sometimes with quite a sharp edge. The inflorescence is quite long and holds loose compound flower heads or a brownish tone.

Palmarosa is known scientifically as Cymbopogon martinii and is from the group known collectively as Lemon Grasses. It may be commonly known as Palmarosa, Motia, Ginger Grass, Rosha or Indian Geranium due to the lemon-rose like fragrance. It is native to South East Asia, particularly India. Cymbopogon is from two Greek words meaning ‘boat’ and ‘beard’ referring to the large bract enclosing the flower spike. There are over 50 forms of lemon grass in cultivation, such as Cymbopogon ambiguous, an Australian native. Others, including Cymbopogon citratus from China are grown especially for culinary use although many can be used this way.

Palmarosa is cultivated for the essential oils, used in aromatherapy, herbal medicine and for culinary purposes. However, many gardeners grow members of the lemon grass family for ornamental purposes.

Growing Conditions

Cymbopogon martinnii prefers full sun and tolerates variable soils, as long as they are well drained. It is tolerant of dry conditions once established however it will prefer regular water. Regular trimming of flowers heads will encourage more leaf growth. Overall, this is a fast growing and hardy plant. It may not flower unless it is in ideal climate conditions, similar to its native habitat. This plant may not survive very cold winters and does well in warmer climates.

To harvest, collect the grass before the plant has flowered and leave to dry for one week. The oil yield is highest when the plant is at its driest. Propagation is by division of the existing clump.

Medicinal Uses

Cymbopogon martinii is cultivated for its essential oil which has applications in aromatherapy and essential oil therapy. The oil has a sweet floral scent, reminiscent of roses. The therapeutic properties include antiseptic, antiviral, and antibacterial. It benefits the digestive system and the respiratory system. It is also a useful moisturiser and is ideal for use as a massage oil and bath oil. Palmarosa essential oil is also reputed to be of benefit in assisting with stress relief, exhaustion, calming the mind, muscle soreness, and as a skin conditioner with value for rejuvenating and regenerating the skin.

Culinary Uses and Other Uses

Cymbopogon martinii may be used in many dishes as a flavouring agent or as a vegetable. It makes herbal tea and may be used fresh, dried or powered. Palmarosa is also used as an insect repellent, to repel nematodes in the garden and as an antifungal agent.

All information provided on this website is for informational purposes only. Please seek professional advice before commencing any treatment.